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iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2 is rated
out of
5 by
28.
iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2
DAC/Headphone Amp
£135
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Award-winner made better
Winner of multiple awards, including the prestigious What Hi-Fi 2020, ‘Best DAC £100 - £200’, the iFi Audio ZEN DAC was hard to beat. Until now. The ZEN DAC V2 upgrades the processing chip from 8-core to 16-core XMOS. This means that MQA files are now fully supported – perfect when using the top-end TIDAL streaming service.
Reduced distortion
As well as facilitating MQA, the new V2 version uses an updated, low-jitter crystal clock. This gives a 20dB better performance for a smoother, less distorted sound with enhanced detail.
Supercharge your computer’s sound
Whether you have a PC or Mac, laptop, tablet or Chromebook, listening to music while you surf, work or game is a constant pleasure. What’s less good is the sound quality – even if you’re using a pair of good quality headphones, the sound output is usually left wanting. The ZEN DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor) V2 massively improves the sound by bypassing your computer’s soundcard and headphone output and replacing them with bespoke, audiophile grade components.
DACs the way to do it
Using a bit-perfect, Burr Brown DAC, the ZEN DAC V2 not only decodes a wide range of formats but sounds as true to the original sound as possible. Hi-Res music files are supported up to DSD256 and PCM files up to 384kHz.
Hi-Fi quality electronics inside
Making the most of the top quality DAC, the other internal electronics offer the highest quality sound – just as you’d find in quality hi-fi. The balanced circuit layout uses top quality audio components, such as TDK (Class 1 ceramic) capacitors for high precision, low distortion sound quality.
Maximises your headphones’ potential
With its dedicated output, the Zen DAC V2 provides your headphones with a dynamic, punchy sound. You can choose between balanced and unbalanced outputs, giving the chance for higher spec headphones with balanced inputs to really shine.
Output the sound to your hi-fi or speaker
It’s not just headphones that benefit from this compact powerhouse DAC. Featuring RCA phono outputs, you can connect up to the AUX input on your hi-fi or speaker system, too. If your hi-fi has a balanced input, why not take advantage of the second, 4.4mm balanced output at the rear of the unit. Either way, simply switch the output to ‘fixed’ and you’re good to go with an instant system upgrade.
Boost the bass
For times when you need a deeper, richer sound, simply switch on TrueBass. Unlike inferior bass boost systems, this works entirely in the analogue domain and doesn’t rely on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The result is deeper bass, without a compromised and muddy-sounding midrange.
Optimise your audio performance, with the iFi Audio ZEN DAC V2.
Connectivity
Audio Outputs
RCA pair x 1
Headphone Output
Yes - 6.35/4.4mm
USB Input
Yes x 1
Audio
Loudness Control
TrueBass
Features
DAC
Burr Brown
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
160 x 35 x 117
Weight
Weight (KG)
0.8
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Lazycarton from
Return to Zender?
I fancied hearing another USB Dac having been using the USB input on a Dacmagic bought in 2008. Have things moved on from then? The Zen Dac V2 got my attention right from the off with an airy and detailed sound. Low frequencies had greater control and depth than the DM and the HF range was for me spot on. The soundstage has a good spread and with my favourite test tracks the Zen just kept giving. This is a Dac that does not really have any shortcomings and for the small outlay is a great performer and for me a keeper. I wanted to explore the balanced analogue outs and purchased and 4.4mm 5 pole plug and some XLRs. The ifi's orientation of the jack socket wiring is different from the standard so it needs a reversal of the Hot+ and - for both channels. Apart from that it works faultlessly.The standard of construction is very good and gives a quality feel. Will I be returning it sender......? No!
Date published: 2022-03-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
OneTrickPony from
My first DAC
Steadily upgrading the audio in my work from home environment. I had been using a cheap USB audio interface which has served me well for years.
This birthday treat has absolutely transformed my listening experience.
The sound stage now has textured depth, and I'm noticing nuances in recordings that were previously inaudible.
Date published: 2022-03-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mrsmegson from
Made my listening experience out of this world.
The iFi Audio Zen DAC V2 has made me fall in love with listening to my music again. I bought an iMac and listen to a lot of music on Spotify. It’s a whole new board game now. The clarity of sound is amazing, from the bass upwards. I still need to get to grips with a few of its settings, which I’m sure will improve the sound even more. Completely blown away by this little beauty.
Date published: 2022-03-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Denise23 from
Great sound quality
Really improves the clarity of sound so I can enjoy my music!
Date published: 2022-02-25
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Umfrevillen from
My First DAC!
So obviously I don't have oodles of experience with DACs, this being my first. This DAC seemed like a great entry point, with a trusted brand, decent tech on the inside and loads of options for output, including balanced! Not that you really reap the benefits with headphone cables.
I am very satisfied with my experience, a whole world above the old sound card and stereo amp I was using before.
Date published: 2022-02-24
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Thumbski from
Really Nice Sound
I purchased this unit to give my Sennheiser 580 Precision headphones a boost and I am really glad I did!
The quality of workmanship is excellent and the computer found the drivers straight away, although I did have to alter the output settings in a couple of individual bits of software such as Audacity and Winamp, but once set up it has not been a problem.
The sound quality is superb it is a really nice sounding warm experience that is EQ'd to perfection and has a really nice bass boost that does not sound overpowering whatsoever and adds to the listening experience, so much so, I have never turned it off.
This is a must have upgrade to a computers internal soundcard without a doubt and paired with a good set of headphones, it is a joy to behold!
Date published: 2022-02-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Wullie636 from
Excellent
I ordered this on line and picked it up from Edinburgh store with no real issues. The DAC is excellent very easy to set up and makes the Bose headphones I have sound much better.
Date published: 2022-02-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
grahamh from
Big improvement to PC sound
I bought this to use instead of the built-in sound card in my PC and it's made a huge difference. Although I don't use headphones much at my desk, the headphone output is pretty impressive too. Seems like a relatively cheap way to significantly improve on PC sound.
Date published: 2022-02-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Stuart1928 from
Roxanne, Please Put On The Blue Light
I recently bought this DAC as part of a low cost solution to play back files from MQA CDs using my existing iMac (with Superdrive) and Denon AV receiver. Using dBpoweramp to rip the MQA-encoded AIFF files to FLAC and then playing back using Colibri Lossless music player (available on the App Store), I can now listen in full MQA Studio quality (blue light) on my AV system.
The ZEN DAC V2 is a great little unit with excellent build quality. It sounds great through headphones, but I have used the RCA analogue outputs to play through my AV system, which sounds amazing. I can't believe how much you get for so little!
Date published: 2022-01-30
Rated 5 out of
5
by
davida55 from
we did not expect it to be this good
we bought this to replace a chord mojo that started not holding its charge, we did not expect it to be this good, we don't miss the mojo at all especially the part where the battery's going flat while you was still playing your music which is very annoying indeed. plus got to also say just how good richer sounds customer service is: truly out standing.
Date published: 2022-01-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jasward1 from
Wow!
First time I had ever bought a DAC. I was so surprised at the difference of sound quality in use that I could kick myself for all the wasted years of not having one.
Really recommend buying this.....
Date published: 2022-01-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
bobbybobson from
zen dac v2
Excellent upgrade to my old dac, would definitely recommend
Date published: 2022-01-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Dfd1 from
You can hear the difference
Excellent product. Revitalized both my headphones and an old Technics amp I bought for £20, when using to play through speakers. Only quibble is the USB lead supplied is a bit short.
Date published: 2022-01-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
honestreview123 from
Great addition to my pc
I read a number of reviews about whether a separate DAC would add better sound quality to listening music through my headphones on a PC. I purchased this mainly to add an easy dial to adjust the volume of the music however it has greatly added to the listening experience through my headphones. Great value for money addition for those listening through headphones to music on the PC.
Date published: 2021-12-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Swede2 from
Christmas present for hubby
Unfortunately, as this is a Christmas present for my husband, I can’t leave a review but the delivery arrived when it should have done and was all very well packaged.
Date published: 2021-12-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Alex G8 from
Transformig you computer sound
I have purchased the iFi ZEN DAV V2 plus an Audioquest USB cable and connected to my Mac. The sound quality and clarity has made a tremendous jump and I do not suffer any longer fatigue from listening. Highly recommended.
Date published: 2021-11-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
rhammnd777 from
Fantastic upgrade
Went from AR Cambs DAC - which was really good to this and the sound is like a new system! Native MAR decoding makes this sound like a system 10 times the price - could not recommend more for 160 pounds - Just make sure you have a decent usb cable!
Date published: 2021-09-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sozzled from
Ifi zen dac 2
Excellent product in its price range
The build quality is very good
and it sounds amazing
Date published: 2021-09-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Wafubloke from
Better than the Zen DAC V1
I guess it would be stupid to release an upgrade if it wasn't any better than the V1. I bought the V2 for my bedroom to play Apple Music through, lossless via the Zen DAC V2 sounds so much richer and open than the V1. Great upgrade.
Date published: 2021-08-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
zenJ from
Great sound, balanced output is a great plus
Love the iFi Zen DAC v2 sound. It pairs great with iPhone/iPad and the new Apple lossless and HiRes audio.
Having the external DC power converter is recommended.
Date published: 2021-07-19
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